Native American Scholars In Residence Program

2023 Crow Canyon Archaeological Center’s Native Scholars in Residence

Justin Lund (Diné) (he/him/his) of Ganado, Arizona post-doctoral scholar at Northern Arizona University (NAU).

In Justin’s own words:

Here, as well as being included in the largest concentration of Navajo anthropologists in the world (n=3), I get to assist in building a dynamic and innovative biological anthropology program that will serve students from many backgrounds. NAU has recently received the distinction of being name an Hispanic Serving Institution and we strive to be the premier state college for Indigenous students. Like Crow Canyon’s role in archaeology, the future Lund Microbiome and Molecular Anthropology Lab at NAU will work toward building community relationships, bridging “scientific” and Indigenous knowledges, and training ethical research practices in genomics. Genomics and archaeology are powerful tools that can shape the narratives of people of the past and have real world impacts on descendant communities today. In my opinion, Crow Canyon and NAU are leaders in the field when it comes to defining what an inclusive anthropological practice should look like.

Mowana L. Lomaomvaya (she/her/hers) is a member of the Hopi Tribe from the village of Hotevilla. She earned a Bachelor and Master of Arts in anthropology with an emphasis in archaeology from Northern Arizona University, and a Master of Legal Studies with a concentration in Indigenous Peoples’ Law and Policy from The University of Arizona. She is a Research Specialist in the Archaeological Records Office at the Arizona State Museum. Lomaomvaya specializes in examining the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and related repatriation policies and implementation. She focuses on analysis of the evolution of NAGPRA since 1990 and movements toward decolonizing and indigenizing archaeology. In her legal degree studies, Lomaomvaya has focused on a variety of issues affecting Indigenous peoples, including diminishing tribal sovereignty and self-determination, rights of Indigenous peoples according to UNDRIP, and analyzing tribal courts systems. Her research and career are focused through her perspective as an indigenous person with close ties to her ancestors and ancestral homelands. Her connection to her culture and identity are a driving force for her dedication and passion in analyzing issues affecting Indigenous communities and care of their ancestral spaces.